Singapore media reveals one detail about CAHN's shocking defeat

Singapore press offers notable insights analyzing Tampines Rovers' unexpected progression over CAHN.

Tampines Rovers' journey in the AFC Champions League Two seemed to have ended after a 0-4 loss to Công An Hà Nội at Hàng Đẫy Stadium. However, an unforeseen off-field development completely changed the scenario. After AFC awarded a 3-0 win to the Singaporean side due to the opponent fielding an ineligible player, Tampines entered the second leg with a significant advantage and capitalized on it by winning 3-1, thus advancing with a 6-1 aggregate score.

According to the assessment from the The Straits Times (Singapore), this story is not just about tactics or performance, but also highlights Tampines' adaptability following heavy defeats. The Singaporean media emphasized that the team showed clear improvements in organization, mental strength, and match approach against an opponent who had previously dominated them, while also benefiting from a rare legal turning point — a fortunate factor that gave them a huge edge before the second leg.

Interim coach Robert Eziakor described the match as “very intense” and praised his players’ disciplined spirit. He stressed: “We played them twice and conceded 10 goals. So, we had to minimize further losses. We made it tough for them and took advantage of key moments.” Tampines deliberately played more cautiously, reducing risks instead of engaging in open exchanges like previous encounters.

The coach also revealed how the team overcame controversies related to AFC’s decision before the match: “We told the players not to dwell on that. What mattered was improving compared to previous games. We learned from mistakes, and home advantage also helped a lot.” Focus enabled Tampines to maintain a stable game despite pressure from the opponent’s ball control.

At Jalan Besar Stadium, the Singapore team surprised by scoring first through Hide Higashikawa’s header. A major turning point came when Công An Hà Nội were reduced to 10 men after Leo Artur received a red card. Higashikawa then completed a brace with a beautiful strike from outside the box, before Trent Buhagiar sealed the victory, completely extinguishing the Vietnamese side’s hopes of a comeback.

Coach Mano Polking admitted the challenge was enormous as his team had to overturn the disadvantage from the first leg’s forfeiture. He said: “We knew it would be tough, but we still hoped to come back. Congratulations to Tampines for their smart and well-executed approach.” He also confirmed that the mistake regarding the ineligible player “will not happen again.”

Summarizing this journey, the Singapore media noted Tampines advanced thanks to “a combination of off-field luck and on-field resilience.” After topping a group with many strong opponents, the Lion City representatives continue to craft a remarkable story in ACL2, where they now face a chance to replicate their deep run in the continental competition.